June 2018 Archives

On behalf of Law Office of Henry B. LaTorraca posted in Business Torts on Wednesday, June 27, 2018.

Many California investors held Bitcoin at Mt. Gox, a prominent exchange for the cryptocurrency that collapsed after an attack on the service. Now, the consequences of the losses that accompanied the fall of Mt. Gox are playing out in litigation, including a complaint by several former Mt. Gox customers against Mizuho Bank. Several former Bitcoin holders who used the exchange allege that the bank tortiously interfered with their contract with the exchange.

The commercial real estate market could change in 2018 for investors in California and across the country, according to a report published by the Mortgage Bankers Association. In the annual study, which was released in June, the association said that it expects the current year to be less strong for investments in commercial and multifamily properties, noting that the coming five years may have a different trend than the past five years. The association's report said that it is unlikely that returns will remain at the same high level that they have boasted in recent years.

On behalf of Law Office of Henry B. LaTorraca posted in Business Litigation on Friday, June 22, 2018.

Corporate disputes can easily derail any efforts. Puerto Rican boy band Menudo is finding this out firsthand. n 2016, the company's effort to relaunch the franchise was put to a halt for two years to address business litigation issues.

Commercial lease disputes can be harmful for California business owners. They can also be bad for those who own the land or property that is being rented. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the chances of such disputes taking place. For example, it is imperative to have all the details of a deal in writing. This is true even if it seems trivial when the deal is first reached.

Commercial properties in California have great potential to produce income, but owners must make an ongoing effort to maintain their curb appeal, occupancy and net operating income. Mortgages on commercial real estate mature every five to 10 years, and property investors need to be ready to withstand the scrutiny of lenders when the time to refinance arrives. Refinancing a commercial building could also present an opportunity for the investor to increase cash flow or cash out equity to pay for new investments.

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis at the Department of Commerce, more than $450 billion was invested into the American economy by foreign investors during 2016. A significant portion of this investment has been in commercial real estate in major California markets, and some experts predict that the trend will likely continue. Foreign investors have placed high value on commercial real estate in 2016 and beyond due to steady job creation and business expansion.

On behalf of Law Office of Henry B. LaTorraca posted in Contract Disputes on Saturday, June 2, 2018.

When an agreed-upon contract goes wrong or is otherwise breached, it can have a significant, cascading effect on the parties involved. In the case of California craft beer manufacturer Monkey Paw Brewing, it could be back on the market due to a pending breach of contract lawsuit filed by the company's own founder. A majority ownership stake in Monkey Paw was purchased by Coronado Brewing in 2017; the larger brewery was looking to develop the production levels and distribution of the smaller company. However, less than a year later, Coronado has moved the craft business back on the open market.

Contact the Law Office of Henry B. LaTorraca

Prospective clients are invited to contact attorney LaTorraca at 562-216-2942 for an initial lawyer consultation to discuss their legal matter.

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